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StumbleThursday, March 3, 2011 | 3:02 p.m.
For some time now I’ve wanted to get a close look at the Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang that are now used in the Nationwide Series. So I spent the afternoon walking around the garage area at Las Vegas Motor Speedway during Thursday’s Nationwide Series practice in order to get an up-close look.
One of the primary reasons Ford and Dodge started using the Mustang and Challenger is to use products that are distinguishable from one another. The automakers want fans to be able to recognize their products and the best way to do that is to use cars that are as cosmetically different from one another as possible.
But, in reality, how different are these cars? Let’s face it; these cars are the same except for the noses, headlight decals and taillight decals. And there isn’t much difference between the noses of the Impala and the Camry.
Nevertheless, the Nationwide Series cars are more distinguishable from one another than the Cup cars. Of the four models used in the Nationwide Series, I think the Dodge Challenger has the most personality and is a more recognizable model than the Mustang, Camry or Impala. The front grille of the Challenger is the most distinctive and the rear light decal stretches all the way across the back of the car, which gives the Challenger a look that sets it apart from the other models. The Dodge Charger used in the Cup Series also has a rear light decal that goes across the entire rear of the vehicle. The front of the Mustang doesn’t attract much attention, but the rear definitely looks like the street version of the car. And as far as the Impala and Camry are concerned, well they are basically Nationwide Series versions of the Cup cars.
Here are a few photos from the garage area. I’ll let you be the judge on which car you think is the most distinctive.
Back of the Mustang
Front of Mustang
Front of Dodge
Back of Dodge
Front of Chevy
That "so called" Mustang is a joke. A mild nose piece (very mild) and some tail light stickers on a sedan body don't make it look like a Mustang, Same for the Challenger. How about give the cars the roof line of the actual cars they are representing. And bring on the Camaro.
Let the best factory aerodynamics rule (think 1970 Daytona / Superbird, 1986 Pontiac Aero, etc).
The Challenger grille looks nice, but beyond that, it's a cookie cutter.
The camry is just a dull, boring, uninspiring car, whether in race trim or on the road. Since Ford uses the Fusion in Cup, Chevrolet should switch to the similarly sized Malibu body style.
The Malibu would be an interesting choice for Chevy. I'd prefer to see the Camaro. But it would probably depend on which model Chevy would want to market.
Mike, I'm thinking Malibu in Cup, Camaro in NW.
That way, NW would have distinctive cars, of course, they need to have a car with the actual lines of the pony cars, not sedans with decals and a minor grill mod. Those cars are pathetic.
The Impala is mostly a fleet / rental car these days, people actually buy and drive Malibus (I have 2).
I'd like to see a Cadillac CTS in NASCAR too!
I agree.